X-Message-Number: 12485
From: "George Smith" <>
References: <>
Subject: Something versus nothing.
Date: Thu, 30 Sep 1999 15:23:14 -0700

In CryoNet #12478, if I understand correctly, Mike Darwin basically said
that he was NOT optimistic about cryonics, despite the optimism expressed in
the patent description recently being discussed.

I am truly saddened to understand that.  I had hoped that he was at the very
least now going to become optimistic regarding reversible suspended
animation as a future option which would receive support from cryonics
organizations.

I wish he would reconsider.

I would suggest that it is pointless for any researchers into any form of
life extension to denigrate cryonics as it is because NO ONE TRULY KNOWS
WHAT IS GOING TO PROVE POSSIBLE IN THE FUTURE.

This isn't an issue of "proving a negative".  It is simply an issue of
choosing between something versus nothing.

Cryonics as it is right now is "a reasonable gamble" (to quote Robert Anton
Wilson just this last August).

Cryonics is taking a person who dies and saying "let's take a gamble that
someday this condition may be fixable".

Mike Darwin does not currently believe this gamble is reasonable and that is
his choice.  He may change his mind.  I hope he does.  Optimism is a choice
as is pessimism.  Both are a personal estimate in the face of a future that
is unknown.  (I can't see where pessimism has any value regardless, but then
again I am usually optimistic by nature).

The research being patented may or may not work to produce (someday)
reversable suspended animation.

The writings of those supporting this work seem optimistic about this
potential future technology working.

I hope they are right.

It will save many lives if they are right.

In the meantime, back here in reality on planet earth, today, here and now,
cryonics remains the only "gamble" available.

It is, it seems to me, an issue of choosing between something and nothing.

UNTIL there is something else, there is ONLY cryonics.

WHEN there MAY be something else, those who die without the benefit of the
new technology of suspended animation will STILL then only have ONE possible
option: cryonics (whether this is due to financial issues or technical
issues).

It seems clear to me that we are discussing apples and oranges here.  The
possible development in the future of suspended animation through
vitrification (or whatever else is created) will offer an ALTERNATIVE to
freezing via cryonics.

If and when that future arrives, the same debate will continue between those
who choose to be pessimistic regarding cryonics and those who choose to be
optimistic.

It will still remain then as now a question of whether we freeze the person
we cannot place into suspended animation or abandon them.

I believe that something is better than nothing.

If you believe that the chances of cryonics working are zero, this does not
mean that you are right.  It only means that you are pessimistic and not
willing to take a gamble that you may be wrong in order to save your own
life or the lives of others.

If you are feeling frustrated with others who do not agree with your current
20th century beliefs, this does not change the current reality.

Cryonics exists.

A few people who die now are being frozen now.

Others who have already died are already frozen.

Anyone who dies NOW, TODAY still has NO OTHER OPTION (unless you consider
the grave or crematorium an "option").

If you believe that the cryonics option will never work, there are only two
possibilities:

You will someday be proven either right or wrong.

If you are right and cryonics never works, those who died and were frozen
will remain dead.  No change.  No gain.  No loss.

If you are wrong and cryonics someday DOES work, then every person you
persuaded to NOT use cryonics who dies stays dead.  Great loss.

From a strictly moral viewpoint, cryonics MIGHT save human lives.

You CAN'T KNOW that it won't.

The cost is minimal.

The reward is great.

Something is better than nothing.

Life is better than death.

I urge everyone reading this to let go of personality issues, to let go of
hubris and at least be honest.

Cryonics might work.  Until there are alternatives to ADD ON (such as
reversible suspended animation or intervention from an extraterrestrial
civilzation or whatever), it is the ONLY OPTION AVAILABLE TODAY.

Something is better than nothing.

Hedge your bets.  Support cryonics or at the very least don't attack it.

There is no other option available.

It also seems to me tat supporting cryonics is the only moral option
available if you value human life and acknowledge you are not omniscient.

It just might work.

You have nothing to lose ...except your life and the lives of others.

George Smith
http://www.cryonics.org

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